US indices closed higher on Thursday, helped by shares in the Energy (+2.89%), Software & Services (+2.5%), and Media (+2.48%) sectors. On the economic data front, Initial Jobless Claims reached 209K in week ending August 3 (estimated 215K) vs. 217K in the prior week. Wholesale Inventories were flat in June (estimated 0.2%) vs +0.2% in the prior month. The S&P 500 (2,938.09) trades below its 20d moving average (2,973.83 – negative slope) but breaks above its 50d moving average (2,933.86 – positive slope).
European markets are expected to start on a flat note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foreign Exchange<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The US dollar was bearish against all of its major pairs on Thursday with the exception of the EUR. On the economic data front, Initial Jobless Claims reached 209K in week ending August 3 (estimated 215K) vs. 217K in the prior week. Wholesale Inventories were flat in June (estimated 0.2%) vs +0.2% in the prior month.
The Euro was bearish against all of its major pairs. In Europe, the Bank Of France forecast a 0.3% French GDP growth for 3Q vs +0.2% in 2Q.
The Australian dollar was bullish against all its major pairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n